On the Books in Charlottesville

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Calling all bookworms: This one's for you. The Virginia Festival of the Book brings five days of literary goodness and a gaggle of authors to Charlottesville, Va., about two and a half hours from downtown D.C.

Everyone from poets to publishers and fiction to non-fiction writers will be around from Wednesday, March 21 to Sunday, March 25, for discussions, book signings, exhibits, meals and performances. An exhibit, "Bestsellers: Popular Fiction in America," runs throughout the festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, examining American reading habits from the late 18th century to today.

Raffles will award a hot air balloon ride, a custom website, a bookcase with books and the Bond Experience (free tuxedo, martini glasses, and a signed book by Jeffery Deavers).

Locations vary for each event and include luncheons, book readings and panel discussions, with speakers such as Peggielene Bartels. Put items in your book bag (your own customizable schedule) and you'll be one organized bookworm, ready to take on any adventure.